Image copyrightReutersImage caption
Callixte Mbarushimana was a senior member of the FDLR in 2009

War crimes judges in The Hague have dismissed charges against a Rwandan rebel leader accused of murder and rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The judges at the International Criminal Court ordered the release of Callixte Mbarushimana because of lack of evidence to back up the charges.

Prosecutors said they would appeal, requesting to halt the release.

Mr Mbarushimana, a Hutu rebel leader, has denied ordering his fighters to kill and rape civilians in 2009.

Years of unrest

The judges at the ICC's pre-trial chamber declined to confirm the charges against Mr Mbarushimana, 47, by a majority decision.

They said that "there was not sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds" to believe that the Rwandan rebel could be held criminally responsible.

Mr Mbarushimana, 47, faced five counts of crimes against humanity and eight counts of war crimes, including charges of murder, torture, rape, inhumane acts and persecution, and destruction of property.

He was a senior member of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) operating in eastern DR Congo.

Troublesome neighbours

Image copyright(C) British Broadcasting Corporation

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